Citizens of Limerick: Dan Mooney

Sitting outside the Stormy Teacup, Dan Mooney says, “It’s only ever been Limerick, I lived in Dublin and Galway for a time but I’ve always found you can enjoy a quiet pint in Limerick.”

An air-traffic controller by trade, Dan is also a well-known local writer, actor and director. “I did three shows last year, I was in the Torch Players’ Cripple of Inishmaan, which we are still on tour with and I’m hoping to publish a novel online this year.”

Rugby is another passion for Dan and he sees this as a great class-leveller in Limerick. “The people, the cross-section of Irish society is all here. From working class up to super wealthy. Normally they don’t overlap, but when you get rugby involved, rugby seems to be a great equalizer for these things. Everywhere else rugby is this posh person’s game. Young Munster, Thomond, Garryowen, Crescent. Everyone mixes, the fans and the players.”

When it comes to culture Dan says “You can’t support culture enough. You can never support it enough.” He also cites positive moves made on foot of the 2020 bid, “There is already a really positive feeling about it. LACE (the Limerick Arts and Culture Exchange) established for the bid is relevant whether we win, lose or draw. It’s an excellent lobby group so we can fund ourselves and support each other. Creating a buzz about culture, creating something for people to strive for. Everyone sees an opportunity in this. It is important that we get excited about it.”

Looking forward to 2020, Dan would like to see more street performance and street theatre, “The same people attend theatre in Limerick over and over again. The fun part of street theatre is that you are bringing it to the people, people who wouldn’t necessarily go to the theatre. Street theatre works!”

You can still catch a showing of the Torch Players’ The Cripple of Inishmaan on May 26th at Friar’s Gate, Kilmallock, May 29th at Cultúrlann, Kilkee, and June 2nd at St. John’s Theatre, Listowel.